Hatton V Mayweather On?

[Guest The Great Ahmar]

Hatton vs. Mayweather On

 

Ricky Hatton's father Ray has confirmed a deal has been struck "in principle" for his son to face Floyd Mayweather later this year.

 

Ray Hatton said a verbal contract had been struck between lawyers for both parties with, crucially, an agreement reached over the financial side.

 

But he is remaining cautious until contracts have actually been exchanged.

 

Hatton said: "We have agreed a deal in principle but the date and venue is up in the air."

 

The most likely dates are 10 November or 8 December in Las Vegas.

 

"I can't honestly tell you a deal has been done until I see the signatures on all the documents," he said.

 

"But what I can say is that both sides were happy with what we finalised verbally."

 

Ricky Hatton admitted he was eager to take on five-weight champion Mayweather after demolishing Jose Luis Castillo in his outing for the IBO light-welterweight title on 24 June.

 

Both fighters are unbeaten, although Mayweather had previously insisted his own victory over Oscar de la Hoya last month would be his final bout.

 

The American's representatives flew Ray Hatton and the family's lawyer Gareth Williams out to Las Vegas to watch last week's fight between Bernard Hopkins and Winky Wright.

 

Ray said negotiations were "cordial", but that the pair had flown back to England with both camps "far apart" on the financial aspects of the fight.

 

However, a deal has been reached over the telephone in recent days.

 

"It is a great fight for Ricky. How many times do you get to fight the best fighter in the world? I see it as a win-win situation because Ricky cannot fail to impress," Hatton added.

 

"Floyd is coming off a great win over De La Hoya and Ricky over Castillo. Between them they are unbeaten in 81 fights. There is nowhere else it could happen. It would be an unbelievable fight."

 

Neither fighter will go into the ring bearing a recognised title belt.

 

Mayweather handed back the WBC light-middleweight belt he won over De La Hoya because he had no intention of remaining at that weight.

 

But both Mayweather and Hatton possess the Ring Magazine's belts at 147lbs and 140lbs, respectively. It is likely Hatton would agree to move up to meet Mayweather at the higher weight.

 

Mayweather's adviser Leonard Ellerbe said Hatton deserved praise for taking the fight.

 

He told USA Today: "I never thought he would do it, but Ricky Hatton deserves credit for stepping up to the plate.

 

"He asked for it and now he's going to get it. Floyd is extremely excited. He wants to show Hatton that he's never fought at this level before.

 

He's going to show him what it's like to step in the ring with the best fighter."

 

 

Credit: BBC.co.uk

 

I've never bought a Boxing PPV, but that would all change if this happens (And if its on SBO)

Edited September 17, 2007 by Jack

[Guest MastersGonads]

Its on like King Kong!

 

I was thinking of going to the Calzaghe v Kessler bout in Cardiff, but going to seriously consider going to Vegas for this one.....

[King 277]

Oh yeah!!!!

[Guest Popsi]

God even I would order this fight, and I have watched about 5 boxing matches in my life!!

[Paul 584]

Yeah, if this is on I think me and my little bro will be ordering this.

[King 277]

If it does happen how do ye think it will go?

[Guest carlito is cool]

Its on like King Kong!

 

I was thinking of going to the Calzaghe v Kessler bout in Cardiff, but going to seriously consider going to Vegas for this one.....

 

Im definately going, it looks like dec 8th at the MGM. I was over there last month for Castillo and it was immense.

[King 277]

No need for the question marks anymore,

 

IT'S OFFICIAL DECEMBER 8th

[BRM 220]

I would of thought that the fight will be on Setanta PPV, as they did with Hattons last fight

 

I belive they've also got the Calzaghe v Kessler bout.

[The Fury 65]

Hatton kill Mayweather!

[Fidel Cashflow 130]

"Ricky Hatton?"

"Yes, who are you?"

"You're first loss."

"Oh really?"

"Oh yes."

"Okay."

[Guest MastersGonads]

I would of thought that the fight will be on Setanta PPV, as they did with Hattons last fight

 

I belive they've also got the Calzaghe v Kessler bout.

 

I have heard Sky are pulling out all the stops to secure it....

[BRM 220]

I would think so too.

 

Was very surprised when i noticed the Castillo fight was on Setanta.

 

I know Frank Warren has done a deal for some shows for Setanta, which may be a advantage for Sky.

[Guest carlito is cool]

Going to wait for a venue to be made official because i hear LA is still interested in hosting the fight, then im booking it. Cant wait!!!

[Guest carlito is cool]

Couldn't wait any longer and booked 7 nights at the MGM 4th till 11th of December can't wait!!! :xyx

[Guest Jack]

Couldn't wait any longer and booked 7 nights at the MGM 4th till 11th of December can't wait!!! :xyx

I hope this sorts itself out, mate. Can you get your money back, if the venue does change?

HUGE demand for tickets for Ricky Hatton's December showdown with Floyd Mayweather may force a rethink on the venue.

 

Since the welterweight fight was announced last month, it has been widely reported that it will be held at the MGM Grand hotel and casino in Las Vegas.

 

But a host of offers from other arenas, including a strong bid from the Staples Centre in Los Angeles, have given US outfit Golden Boy Promotions food for thought.

 

And with the Hatton family's own Punch Promotions company talking of unprecedented demand for tickets, there is a fear that the 17,000-capacity Garden Arena at the MGM Grand may not be big enough.

 

It is being estimated that as many as 10,000 British fight fans will make the trek to cheer Hatton on, beating the record exodus to watch an individual British sportsman, set by the Hitman's June clash with Jose Luis Castillo, which attracted more than 9,000 Brits.

 

That could result in a postal ballot for tickets, if demand outstrips supply, and Punch Promotions has already set up a booking system which will give priority to fans who have travelled to previous Hatton fights in the States.

 

Problem

 

Hatton's camp say they are as much in the dark as the public regarding the venue, but an announcement is expected in the next few days.

 

Ricky's dad and adviser Ray Hatton said: "The problem is that the British fans have frightened them.

 

"We told the American promoters ahead of the Castillo fight that they could expect between 6,000 and 8,000 British fans, and they just had little smiles on their faces, not believing it. When nearly 10,000 turned up, they were a bit shocked, to say the least.

 

"I would say Vegas is still the favourite, but the Staples Center holds more than 20,000. We have told them the Americans that we want at least 10,000 tickets because it has been pandemonium at our ticket office, even though we don't yet know ticket arrangements."

 

Demand is expected to grow when Hatton flies to the States on September 14 for a publicity tour along with five-weight world champion Mayweather, taking in New York, Mayweather's home state of Michigan, Las Vegas and Los Angeles.

 

The two fighters will travel to the UK for "public press conferences" in London and Manchester, at which Hatton, Mayweather and promoter Oscar de la Hoya, himself a boxing legend, will appear. Punch Promotions events co-ordinator Michael Meadowcroft believes that up to 5,000 British fans may already have booked flights and accommodation in Vegas, a five-hour drive away from LA, if the Staples Centre's bid is successful.

 

He stresses that websites offering tickets are acting unscrupulously as no venue or ticketing has yet been announced.

[King 277]

Anyword on Sky or Setanta getting this?

[Guest carlito is cool]

I hope this sorts itself out, mate. Can you get your money back, if the venue does change?

 

LA is just over an hour flight away so no great problems. :)

[BRM 220]

Looks like it'll be Vegas.

 

Golden Boy Promotions and Mayweather Promotions announced on Friday that the Floyd Mayweather Jr-Ricky Hatton welterweight showdown on December 8, 2007 will be held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, USA.

 

Ticket for “UNDEFEATED” will go on sale Monday, September 17 at 10 am Pacific USA Time and will be available at the MGM Grand Garden Arena Box Office and all Ticketmaster locations in the USA, (including select Las Vegas Smith’s Food and Drug Centers and Macy’s West in the Fashion Show Mall). To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at 1-702-474-4000. Tickets also are available for purchase at http://www.mgmgrand.com or http://www.ticketmaster.com.

 

A fast sell out is expected for this highly anticipated fight between undefeated world champions.

 

“Even though this fight is months away, everyone is already talking about it and breaking it down, trying to figure out who has the edge,” said Oscar De La Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions. “It’s a great clash of styles between Mayweather and Hatton and I think that translates into a memorable fight that will go down in history as one of the great ones.”

 

Leonard Ellerbe of Mayweather Promotions agreed, “Mayweather Promotions is very excited to host our first fight at MGM Grand. This will definitely be a great battle for the fans and the MGM Grand is the perfect place to host this fight.”

 

30 year-old Mayweather 38-0 (24), who most recently defeated De La Hoya at the storied Las Vegas venue, can’t wait for the big event, “The MGM Grand is like a second home to me and I’m going to make my fifth appearance here my most spectacular and memorable. I love Vegas, I love the fans at the MGM Grand and I’m gonna show Ricky Hatton that he can’t come into my house and try to take what’s mine.”

28 year-old Hatton 43-0 (31), a native of Manchester, England, followed by saying, “It’s always been a dream of mine to fight at the MGM Grand and now I’ll finally get my chance. The MGM Grand has been the home to so many great champions and so many great fights. To fight Floyd Mayweather in that famous ring will push me even harder to live up to such a legacy.”

 

Richard Schaefer, chief executive officer of Golden Boy Promotions, said, “The demand for tickets for Mayweather-Hatton has been amazing and our office has been flooded with requests from both here and the UK. This is not only a spectacular fight between two undefeated champions, but it’s an event that will get the entire world’s attention on December 8.”

 

The event will be produced by and distributed live in the USA on HBO Pay-Per-View. Fans in other countries should check their local guides closer to the fight.

[Guest Jack]

It looks like the promo events for this fight are starting next week, so I thought I'd bump this one back up.

 

I can't wait for this fight. Aside from it being between two of the very elite fighters in the world, it has so many contrasting aspects which make it fascinating. it's almost like Julio Cesar Chavez vs. Meldrick Taylor III.

 

Flashiness vs. Consistency

Humble vs. Arrogance

Defence vs. Offence

Britain vs. America.

Speed vs. Strength and many more.

 

Thanfully these two fighters also share many things. Both are elite fighters who have the desire to win.

 

As far as the outcome goes, another point which adds interest for me is, both men seem to possess what the other man has a problem with. The two people who gave mayweather the most trouble, De La Hoya and Castillo, did so by applying a lot of pressure. hatton is easily the bet pressure fighter at 140lbs and may be at 147lbs, depending on how well his strength carries up. Luis Collazo, hatton's biggest problem, was effective in utilising his superiror quickness and footwork. mayweather is the fastest boxer alive, and has plenty of agility.

 

Honestly, this fight works on so many levels it's incredible. it is everything boxing should be and some. All I hope is that the styles mesh well and we end up with a cracker, much like the first JCC and Taylor fight. That and a Hatton KO in the first round, of course ;)